14 January 2025

Alumni conference : Building connections and expanding perspectives on humanitarian aid

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, alumni and current students from the EMBA program at the University of Geneva gathered at the International Red Cross Museum in Geneva for an enlightening event titled “HUMANITARIAN AID: What Approach?” This event provided an in-depth look at various facets of humanitarian aid, featuring inspiring presentations from esteemed speakers who shared their experiences, insights, and dedication to transformative humanitarian initiatives.

The evening began with Zheng ZHOU-Gabrielli, who shared powerful testimonies from patients supported by Revive in Côte d’Ivoire. These stories demonstrated that aligning healthcare supply with business needs can support the community and boost the local economy through cooperation.

Next, Hendrik Storm, Executive Director of Mercy Ships, explained how the organization has been revolutionizing access to surgical care in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing life-saving surgeries aboard fully equipped hospital ships. These ships bring not only essential medical services but also training programs to empower local healthcare providers and ensure sustainable health improvements. Mercy Ships is committed to addressing root causes, as expressed in the quote by Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Laurate: “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in”. Their mission is not only to heal diseases but also to restore dignity to patients, allowing them to reintegrate and contribute to their country’s social progress.

Another inspiring humanitarian initiative was introduced by Dr. Naiken Surennaidoo, Founding President of the Humanitarian for Empowerment Association (HFE). Drawing from a rich background in medicine and a dedication to global health, Dr. Surennaidoo presented HFE and its mission of promoting a new model in the humanitarian sector focused on empowerment and sustainability. HFE aims to strengthen healthcare resilience by introducing advanced surgical techniques and providing training to medical professionals in challenging regions, empowering individuals and communities to manage their healthcare needs autonomously. Their ability to capture cultural and regional differences, adapting their approach to guide local communities to their fullest potential, is remarkable. Dr. Surennaidoo launched impactful projects in regions such as Ukraine, Mauritius, and Madagascar, focusing on expanding medical knowledge and empowering communities to achieve long-term autonomy in their healthcare systems. In 2022, he was honored with the prestigious Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for his contributions to humanitarian work, joining influential global figures who have received this award, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

All contributions inspired the audience and fueled positive exchanges over the cocktail that followed the presentations.

The event’s success reflects the vibrant alumni community that defines the Geneva EMBA, emphasizing our primary objectives: fostering strong connections among alumni and broadening perspectives by addressing timely and relevant topics with speakers who bring unparalleled expertise and passion.

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